Preview: Al Hilal vs Al Sadd Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26
Two of the greatest Italian coaches lock horns in Jeddah.
The Qatari giants, Al Sadd, travel to Jeddah city in Saudi Arabia to face Al Hilal in the Round of 16 fixture of the AFC Champions League Elite at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.
Al Hilal finished as the table-toppers of the AFC Champions League Western Zone group stages, the only undefeated side in the competition. They are led by Italian gaffer Simone Inzaghi, who is regarded as one of the best coaches in modern-day football after leading teams like Inter Milan and Lazio.
Ruben Neves has been the best player for Al Hilal so far, and Karim Benzema has already scored 16 goals in the Al Hilal jersey. They are coming after a 6-0 win over Al Kholood in their most recent Saudi Pro League fixture at home.
The Doha outfit are at the top of the Qatari Stars League. They are led by the experienced Roberto Mancini, who has coached legendary teams like Inter Milan, Manchester City and the Italy national team, which won the Euros 2020.
After finishing the league stage with eight points and a negative four-goal difference, they were lucky to make it to the knockouts. But they will face the best team, Al Hilal, at their home. Akram Afif and Roberto Firmino have been the top players for Al Sadd and will be keen to cause a big upset.
Kick-off:
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
- Date: Monday, April 13
- Kick-off Time: 11:30 p.m. IST
- Referee: TBD
- VAR: In use
Players to Watch
Karim Benzema (Al Hilal)
The French striker has more UEFA Champions League trophies than some of the best clubs in modern-day football. One of the greatest to ever play this game, Benzema made a high-profile switch from Jeddah to Riyadh as he made a move to Al Hilal recently.
It’s been less than 100 days since Benzema switched to Al Hilal, but he has already emerged as their top goal scorer and is coming after a hat-trick over Al Kholood in their most recent game. When Benzema gets going, no force on this planet can stop him, and he is nothing less than a nightmare for the Qatari defenders.
Roberto Firmino (Al Sadd)
The Brazilian attacking midfielder has played for teams like Liverpool and Al Ahli before making a move to Al Sadd recently. He has registered 16 goal contributions in the 20 matches he has played.
His experience playing across top European and Asian leagues will be key for Al Sadd as they will have to be clinical upfront and convert the chances into goals. Firmino will be tasked with the responsibility of creating more chances for Mujica at the front.
Match Facts
- Al Hilal won the last meeting between these two sides 3-1.
- Bafetimbi Gomes is the leading goalscorer for Al Hilal.
- Al Sadd last defeated Al Hilal in the ACL 2019 semi-finals.
Al Hilal vs Al Sadd: Betting Tips and Odds
- Al Hilal to win
- Karim Benzema to score
- Al Hilal 4-1 Al Sadd
Injury and Team News
Hamad Al Yami and Nasser Al Dawsari will be absent from Al Hillal in the next game.
Al Sadd have no injury concerns.
Head-to-Head
Total matches – 16
Al Hilal won – 9
Al Sadd won – 3
Matches drawn – 4
Predicted Lineups
Al Hilal predicted lineup (4-1-4-1)
Bono (GK); Al Harbi, Al Tambakti, Koulibaly, Hernandez; Neves; Malcom, Milinkovic Savic, Kanno, Al Dawsari; Benzema
Al Sadd predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Barsham (GK); Miguel, Khoukhi, Saiss, Otavio; Abwemy, Claudinho; Ali, Firmino, Afif; Mujica
Match Prediction
Given the red-hot form of Benzema and Al Hilal and the difference in the squad quality, we do not expect any upsets; rather, we predict a big one-sided win for the home side.
Prediction: Al Hilal 4-1 Al Sadd
Telecast Details
India: FanCode
Saudi Arabia: Thmanyah, beIN Sports
Australia: Paramount+
When and where is the Al Hilal vs Al Sadd ACL Elite 2025-26 match?
Monday, 13 April, at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Kick-off is scheduled for 11:30 p.m. IST.
Where and how to watch ACL Elite 2025-26 in Australia?
People can tune into Paramount to watch the matches live.
Where and how to watch the ACL Elite 2025-26 in India?
FanCode can be used to watch all the matches live.
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.